Plain Speak

“These state elections are taking place in a particular political backdrop. The BJP’s senior leadership had toppled the MVA government by engineering a split in the Shiv Sena. This entire move had a ‘rajmanyata’ (endorsement from top leadership ). It was not done at Mumbai level by two or three people. There was meticulous planning as the BJP’s entire machinery was after it. It was like a military operation where MLAs were given security, chartered planes.”

Prithviraj Chavan, Leader, Congress

“We formed the (MVA) government and in that government, gave representation to two of our colleagues from the district. One was from Ambegaon and the other was from Baramati (referring to Walse Patil and Ajit Pawar). They got the power they desired. It is not that they had not got the power earlier but the move to break the party to obtain power was not appropriate.”

Sharad Pawar, President, NC (SP)

“One can understand the frame of mind of a person whose son is contesting an election. Someone who once said the BJP should be driven out of Maharashtra and Amit Shah and Narendra Modi should not be allowed to enter the state is now singing praises of the BJP. Raj Thackeray knows that Maharashtra will have the Chief Minister from the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi.”

Sanjay Raut, Leader, Shiv Sena (UBT)

“There was no breach of secrecy in showing the file to Ajit Pawar. The contents of the file can be accessed by filing an application under the Right to Information Act. It is also true that approval for the inquiry against Ajit Pawar was given when the Congress and (undivided) Nationalist Congress Party were in power.”

Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister